However, don't expect perect results under poor weather conditions (i.e. low light): AF tends to get slow and pictures come out quite dark when using ISO100 - 1/500th - f/5.6 at full 300mm. But, using PS or PSP you can still turn those rather dark pics in A.net-worthy pictures (just look at my pics from LHR for instance).

The lens is a very good value SHAMROCK_107. I've been using it for over ten years now and it has never let me down. The ultrasonic motor is fast. The AF sometimes has difficulty in low light but that's a time for manual focusing. If I were you, I would have went for the IS (image stabilizer) version. Gives you a little more room for error when in the 200-300mm range.

Again, thanks for your views guys. That is a very nice collection of shots Dripstick. If only I was able to accomplish these kind of results I would be extremely happy.

I do have another question, however, my camera is a pretty standard Canon EOS3000. I'm not even sure that it's sold anymore hehe. Anyway, I was just wondering should this lens work well with this particular body or could I come accross some problems.

Also, is there any specific film that would yield good results with this body and lens?

I use this lens as well, on my D30. i have found that at the max length 300mm it is hard to get a really good action shot - but not impossible. It's a good lens for the money but not as fast as a 2.8 & does not have IS.

The majority of my recent Houston shots were with this lens. The window-view shots from the plane were not (they were 19mm mostly) - but i have gotten some excellent rotations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have this lens. It is sharp but gets softer near 300mm. I bought this lens recently and have shot 5 rolls with it. Most of the shots were 250+mm and I wasn't that happy as far as sharpness is concerned. I am now thinking of selling it and getting a Canon EF 100-300mm f/5.6L fro E-bay. It is supposed to have excellent optics and offers superb sharpness.

And Lewis, thanks for your comments. The lens you speak of does indead sound excellent but as I said this is the best lens I could get for the kind of money I had. I'm sure the lens you are looking for is considerably dearer?